MTD 970 SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING, Cause, Remedy, Problem

SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem		Cause		Remedy
Engine fails to start	1.	Blade control handle disengaged.	1.	Engage blade control handle.
	2.	Spark plug wire disconnected.	2.	Connect wire to spark plug.
	3.	Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.	3.	Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
	4.	Blocked fuel line.	4.	Clean fuel line.
	5.	Faulty spark plug.	5.	Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
	6.	Engine flooded	6.	Wait a few minutes to restart, do not
				prime.
Engine runs erratic	1.	Spark plug wire loose.	1.	Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
	2.	Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.	2.	Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
				gasoline
	3.	Vent in gas plugged.	3.	Clear vent.
	4.	Water or dirt in fuel system.	4.	Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
	5.	Dirty air cleaner.	5.	Clean air cleaner.
	6.	Carburetor out of adjustment.	6.	Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats	1.	Engine oil level low.	1.	Fill crankcase with proper oil.
	2.	Air flow restricted.	2.	Remove blower housing and clean.
	3.	Carburetor not adjusted properly.	3.	Adjust carburetor.
Occasional skip (hesitates)	1.	Spark plug gap too close.	1.	Adjust gap to .030”.
at high speed
Idles poorly	1.	Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too	1.	Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
		wide.	2.	Adjust carburetor.
	2.	Carburetor improperly adjusted.	3.	Clean air cleaner.
	3.	Dirty air cleaner.
Excessive vibration	1.	Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.	1.	Tighten blade and adapter. Balance
	2.	Bent cutting blade.		blade.
			2.	Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass	1.	Wet grass.	1.	Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
				later to cut.
	2.	Excessively high grass.	2.	Mow once at a high cutting height, then
				mow again at desired height or make a
				narrower cutting path.
	3.	Dull blade.	3.	Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut	1.	Wheels not positioned correctly.	1.	Place all four wheels in same height
				position.
	2.	Dull blade.	2.	Sharpen or replace blade.

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